`Inside Out' event invites shoppers to visit local retail shops
LAKEPORT >> Over the weekend the Lakeport Main Street Association closed out the month on a high note with the annual Inside Out event. With over 60 participants vending outside, both business and residential, the event drew a large crowd of locals ready to get out and find some hidden treasures.
Sprawling all over the city and spilling into neighboring towns, citizens opened up their garages and yards as shops and sold their wares. Telephone poles were plastered with signs bearing addresses adding to the entire city-wide sale. Set up with pop up tents and cocktails, Marcy Harrison and Adriana Marquez of Lakeport enjoyed the sunny day on their patio collecting funds from their old clothes and furniture. The two friends stated “The sale is a great idea. It's been fun!” They shared that the event had been successful for them and that they were glad to make some extra money while getting some spring cleaning done. Lawns were covered with all objects imaginable from the average items like clothing and toys to bigger ones like kayaks, fishing gear and camping tents.
All along Main Street in downtown Lakeport retail shops brought their “inside out” setting up small versions of their stores on the sidewalks and inviting shoppers to scope out their unique inventories. Each store has such different offerings, many of which are hand made. Sandra Campos at Fixin' it Up with Sandra explained “I hand make a lot of the stuff so it's fun to come in, it's ever changing!” Nearby at Style and Shine Boutique, owner Kimberley Reichmuth held their biggest sale of the year for the event and said “We're really excited about this and the upcoming Snack and Save.” Reichmuth was referring to a new monthly retail event that kicks off next week where businesses have “coordinated snacks from each business and punch cards that earn customers raffle tickets” according to Reichmuth.
Studio 127 owner Laurel McCarthy was a first year participant in the event and found “The event created a very successful day with exposure to new people and sales.” Angela Ratto, 38 year local business owner and current owner of Ratto's Uniques and Antiques, was skeptical of the event but had hopes that throughout the day the downtown businesses would see an increase in traffic, as everyone is ready to get out after the pandemic. This was a commonly felt theme and refrain. Jessica Helm, owner of At the Helm explained: “It's a great event and is getting people out and about post COVID.” Locals Joe and Dennis Fay, along with their dog Tilly, were some of the attendees happy to see their community coming back together after these past uncertain years.
More information on this event and other upcoming events can be found at the Lakeport Main Street Association website lakeportmainstreet.com.